Cotinus coggygria Dusky Maiden ('LONDUS') PPAF – Smoke Bush

Smoke Bush 'Dusky Maiden' attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to wildlife gardens. Its dense foliage provides shelter for small insects, and the flowers offer nectar to pollinators.

Spring: Deep burgundy foliage emerges and holds its color through summer.

Early Summer: Soft pink to purplish plume-like flowers appear above the foliage.

Late Summer to Fall: Flowers fade into “smoke” plumes (seed heads).

Leaves transition to vibrant orange and red hues before dropping.

Winter: Deciduous. Bare stems add structure to winter gardens.

🎨 Feature Plant or Specimen Shrub

• Rich wine-red foliage and misty plumes create a bold focal point.
  

🏡 Foundation or Accent Planting

• Excellent near entries, corners of buildings, or large containers for seasonal drama.
  

🌳 Mixed Shrub or Perennial Borders

• Adds texture, contrast, and height to layered planting designs.
  

🍂 Fall Color Gardens

Foliage shifts to glowing orange-red in autumn, perfect for seasonal interest.

• 🪴 Patio & Container Planting (in mild zones or with winter protection)
  
• Its compact, upright habit makes it suitable for large decorative pots.
  
  

The leaves of 'Dusky Maiden' are rounded and deep purple, providing a striking contrast in the garden. The foliage retains its rich color throughout the growing season and takes on vibrant red and orange tones in the fall. This bold color palette adds drama and texture to the landscape, making it a beautiful focal point.

• Flowering Season: Late spring to mid-summer (May to July).
• Flower Description: 'Dusky Maiden' produces clusters of tiny, pale pink to purple flowers that form large, airy plumes. The flowers give the appearance of a "smoke cloud," which is how the Smoke Bush gets its name. These billowy blooms last for several weeks and add an ethereal, wispy look to the plant.

• Planting Time: Best planted in early spring or fall to give the roots time to establish before extreme temperatures.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, from loamy to sandy or rocky soils. It thrives in slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.5). Avoid waterlogged areas, as the plant is sensitive to poor drainage.
• Spacing: Space plants 4-6 feet apart to accommodate their mature width and allow for proper air circulation.

Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain the desired shape and size. Smoke Bush responds well to hard pruning, which can encourage fresh, vigorous growth and more intense foliage color. Cutting back older stems encourages bushier growth, while light pruning keeps the plant neat. Remove any dead or damaged branches to promote healthy growth.

Cotinus coggygria 'Dusky Maiden' is drought-tolerant once established. Water regularly during the first growing season to help the roots establish, and reduce watering as the plant matures. In particularly dry climates, occasional deep watering during prolonged dry periods will help maintain its health and appearance.

Full sun to partial shade. 'Dusky Maiden' performs best in full sun, where it develops its richest leaf color and the most abundant blooms. It can tolerate partial shade, but the foliage may be less vibrant in lower light conditions.

Smoky flower plumes can be cut for dried floral arrangements in early to mid-summer.

Cut with long stems and hang to dry in a cool, dark area for best preservation.

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or compost. Generally, Smoke Bush is not a heavy feeder and can thrive with minimal fertilization, especially in fertile soils. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can result in excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed growth. Mulching also helps protect the roots during hot summers and cold winters.
• Winter Care: 'Dusky Maiden' is cold-hardy, but young plants may benefit from a layer of mulch or other protection in regions with harsh winters. Pruning can be done in late winter or early spring to shape the plant before new growth begins.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Smoke Bush 'Dusky Maiden' is relatively pest- and disease-resistant, making it an easy-care option for most gardens. It may occasionally attract aphids, which can be treated with a gentle insecticidal soap if necessary.

Cotinus coggygria 'Dusky Maiden' is wind-pollinated and does not require assistance from pollinators for reproduction. Its flowers, however, still attract bees and other insects for nectar.

🌿 Foliage & Texture Pairings

• Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light' – ornamental grass with silvery tones for contrast.
  
• Sedum 'Autumn Joy' – succulent foliage and late-season pink blooms balance its airy texture.
  
• Heuchera 'Caramel' or 'Lime Rickey' – vivid foliage contrast in borders or containers.
  

🌼 Blooming Companions

• Echinacea purpurea (Coneflower) – upright blooms echo plume shape and support pollinators.
  
• Salvia nemorosa – spiky purple flowers against dusky foliage.
  
• Rudbeckia fulgida – bright yellow flowers bring contrast to the dark tones.
  

🌲 Structural Companions

• Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight' – light blooms contrast beautifully with Cotinus' dark foliage.
  
• Buxus spp. (Boxwood) – evergreen structure anchors compositions year-round.